Are you in the market for a garbage truck? Whether you are a large hauler or a small start-up, buying the right garbage truck could make a huge impact on your business.
So how can you make sure you choose the best garbage truck for your business? Simply put, do your research, get good information and compare. Provided you avoid some of these most common mistakes, you should have no problem finding the best garbage truck to suit your needs.
Keep reading to learn the 5 of the biggest mistakes to avoid when buying a garbage truck.
1. Failing to ask for a truck history report
Vehicle reports are an essential part of the used truck shopping process. And looking into a vehicle’s history is simple because you can find information online by using CARFAX, AutoCheck, or other services.
These reports use the VIN of the truck to provide valuable information such as whether or not it has been in a major accident, had flood damage, carries a salvage title as well as the number of previous owners.
Not checking its history is one of the most common mistakes people make when purchasing a garbage truck. It is very important to always check.
2. Failing to consider buying a used truck
Buying a new truck is often the best option. But buying a used truck can also be a very good decision. A used truck can be an opportunity to buy a reliable and productive vehicle at considerable savings.
As a buyer and business owner, you should determine what your budget is for the garbage truck and stick with it. If you can afford a new truck – great! But if your budget is tight, or the route can’t justify the expense then purchasing a used truck could be a viable alternative.
Many used garbage trucks are still in good condition or have been reconditioned and brought up to manufacture standards.
Furthermore, a used truck can often beat the initial depreciation factor. We all know a new car depreciates the minute you drive it off the lot, and a big garbage truck is no different as they depreciate in value as much as 20% to 30% in the first 12 months!
Buying a used garbage truck can be a great deal, just remember to always check its history report before finalizing the transaction.
3. Failing to request an inspection
If you intend on purchasing a used garbage truck, you need to request a vehicle inspection from the dealer.
Don’t overlook this as it is a mistake that could be costly. Every dealer should thoroughly inspect their trucks and be able to document what they did to the truck or what repairs the truck needs.
Don’t buy a truck just because it has new paint and you think it looks good. And don’t buy a truck just because you think it is priced cheap. Look deeper into it and remember “buyer beware”. Always verify that the truck has been inspected and request a written inspection report that includes all mechanical truck chassis and body functions.
An inspection report will help you determine if the truck is ready to go to work on your route, or the extent of repairs required to get it into working condition. It is of the utmost importance.
4. Failing to compare trucks and options
Take the time to consider what you want, what you need and the parameters around what you will accept. Make a list of your requirements. What are your “must-haves”? Is the specific make and model of the refuse body a prerequisite? Do you need a winch? Do you need scales? Do need to have a pusher or third axle? What is the range of miles and hours you will accept?
Once you have your list, rank them in order of importance.
When you’re searching for a garbage truck, of course look at prices, but also be sure to compare options and most importantly compare condition. You want to buy a truck that will hit the ground running, work the route and start making you money.
So do your homework. Take note of the trucks that interest you, compare the options and condition and make sure you are comparing apples to apples.
5. Failing to consider condition versus price
The price you pay for a garbage truck is only one element of the buying process. Granted, it might be the most important factor but if you focus solely on price you might well be doing yourself an injustice.
Sure, price is important, but the condition of a used truck surely ranks just as high. For example, let’s say you are looking at two identical used trucks, but one is priced $15,000 cheaper. You are told that the cheaper truck runs good but nothing has been done to it. On the other hand, the truck that is $15,000 higher has just had new brakes installed, a new floor installed in the body, two packing cylinders rebuilt and replaced, and the engine just serviced including the DPF. That work is worth well over $15,000 (DPF service alone can run between $5,000 and $15,000). As long as you can verify the work, you’d be better served buying the truck with the recent work in this case.
Additionally, mileage and hours can differ dramatically among identically equipped trucks. Let’s say you are looking at two matching trucks, but one has only 95,000 miles and 8,500 hours versus the other truck with 195,000 miles and 13,500 hours. The truck with lower miles and lower hours is worth more since it would be assumed it has less wear and tear.
Furthermore, miles and hours can be verified thru diagnostic software from the truck’s computer. Be sure to have your dealer provide this. And you should be seriously concerned if they cannot.
Everybody wants to get a good deal on whatever they buy. But before you settle on a truck, think about the “total cost of ownership”. Even if two vehicles are priced the same, that doesn’t mean they will cost the same over time. One truck or brand might cost you more in maintenance or depreciate faster or be harder to resell. These extra out-of-pocket expenses such as maintenance and repairs can really add up.
When searching for a garbage truck, of course price is important but don’t discount the value of additional options, the miles and hours and most importantly, the working condition of the truck.
Buy the Right Garbage Truck Today
We encourage you to start looking online at various trucks until you get an idea of what is available. After finding trucks that meets your requirements, check and compare the options and condition. And don’t forget to get a vehicle history check.
At Trucks & Parts, we make a CARFAX history report available for every single one of our trucks. We believe in an honest, fair and transparent representation of the truck.
Be sure to also check out the dealer’s reputation. Don’t buy from a dealer or salespeople you don’t particularly like or trust. If a salesperson makes you feel uneasy, you probably need to walk away.
Ideally, the salesperson should know the condition of the truck, be familiar with its history, options and features, and will listen and answer your questions directly.
Most dealers and salespeople are honest, but some just want to “flip” trucks without any real knowledge of its condition or familiarity with the inspection process.
Here at Trucks & Parts, we offer trucks for sale that have been thoroughly inspected. The condition is documented, and you can see what work was done or needs to be done.
Call us at 877-735-5782 to learn more today.
